Berlin-Brandenburg and Boston

Berlin-Brandenburg is one of the outstanding centers for life sciences in Europe. In particular, the biotechnology sector in Berlin is flourishing and is characterized by a steady upswing and an abundance of entrepreneurial start-up momentum. Of the more than 280 biotech companies, an impressive 80% are actively involved in groundbreaking developments in biomedicine. Their efforts include the development of innovative therapeutic treatments and diagnostics for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

This remarkable progress is due to a robust local research landscape, a seamless fusion of scientific and industrial collaborations, and an exceptional infrastructure for conducting clinical trials. With more than 145 hospitals, including Europe's largest university hospital, the prestigious Charité, Berlin-Brandenburg enables groundbreaking medical research.

On June 5, the time had come and for four days Boston was dominated by the BIO International Convention, the leading international trade fair for the healthcare industry and biotechnology. Even before the trade show really got started, we spoke with industry decision-makers about the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region and what decisive advantages it offers for attracting companies. The focus was on the services provided by two strong business development agencies for companies and how they can benefit from them. Interdisciplinary networks, specialized experts, technology transfer and disruptive technologies are decisive factors in turning scientific findings into innovative products for the global healthcare market.

Welcome to Boston

Dietmar Rieg, President and CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce New York (GACC) and Dr. Sonja Kreibich, Consul General to the New England States of the German Consulate General Boston (GCGB) opened the Business Breakfast and welcomed the approximately 60 participants. The economic development agency for Germany, Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) with speaker Harald Mylord, explained trends and perspectives of the biotechnology industry in Germany. Dr. Kai-Uwe Bindseil, Head of Division Healthcare at Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, reported on life sciences and the healthcare ecosystem in the metropolitan region and on current cluster activities. In his function as Head of Airport Region Team, Jan-Alexander Ernst highlighted the importance of the airport for the region, reported on current developments in the growth of important global connections and on the locational advantages from which a company with a base in the region benefits.

A special highlight was the presentation by Kendra Rose, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of New Platforms at BAYER AG. She gave a very practical view on doing business in the German capital region and shared success stories and experiences of Bayer. We would like to thank the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) New York for their support in organizing the event and their on-site expertise.

Dynamic business development

Strengthening the region around Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) economically is the task of the Airport Region Team - a cooperation between the two economic development agencies Berlin Partner for Business and Technology and the Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation. Based at BER International Airport, the team is the first point of contact for companies interested in setting up operations in the Airport Region. In close cooperation with the respective industry experts

For more information on the economic development of the region's growth industries, business and technology support for companies, investors and scientific institutions, please contact:

Melanie Gartzke I melanie.gartzke(at)airport-region.de